The Next Generation of Business Casual
Business casual, they said. Could anything be more vague?!
Over the past few years, the weight of the word ‘business’ in this generic instruction to attire has become more outdated than that pair of skinny jeans shoved to the back of your dresser. Coupled with the popularization of the Matilda Dejerf aesthetic - a simple and professional style with noticeably oversized silhouettes, holding the place of go-to wardrobe staples—and the transition to work-from-home offices (thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic), we might as well throw the prior purpose and association with business wear out the window.
As the business element spirals in its downfall, the casual label took its time to shine! Biker shorts and blazers, dress pants paired with a cropped t-shirt, or roll out of bed and throw your dress shirt over your silk slip—this style dominated the sales of the once day-after-day office wear. The 2000’s era style icons would be roaring at the thought of wearing an oversized blazer out to a bar! Sticking out above the natural trend progressions, the shift to the new business casual was more of a culture change.
Where does this opportunity leave the fashion industry? The next generation possesses a fluid lifestyle and wardrobe, with less defined work schedules and even less expectations of dress for all occasions. This provides brands the chance to be more playful to match the intertwining way we dress for different occasions. They can do it all! No need for brands to put themselves in a box of ‘business’ wear - well, does that even really exist anymore?
Really this once vagueness is actually a blessing in disguise. With a new generation soon to rule the workforce and the corporate sector being flipped upside down post-pandemic, the new norm of dress is really what we make of it! So will you be sporting some athletic wear with your blazer to the office, or weaving in some Djerf style formalwear into your nights out?
Be sure to tag @q.fin in your fav business cas (or not) outfits!